A Discussion of the origins of the issues and subject matter present within the video 'She used to bake me cookies'.

Author:

McClenning, Judy

Abstract:

"She Used To Bake Me Cookies", a seventeen minute video done
as my thesis project, was the culmination of my work begun during
the completion of a Master of Fine Arts Degree at the Rochester
Institute of Technology. This project was the logical outgrowth of my
previous life experiences in social work and law, and the progression
of my photographic and video work. Moving from the problems of
sexual harassment, & the pressure to conform one's behavior and
appearance to a feminine ideal, I began my examination of the
familial roots of the nature of feminine identity. After dealing with
issues of parental role models, and outward anger within the family
in both photographic and video work, this thesis video brought
closure to my examination of family dysfunction. Doing this work in
Rochester also brought me full circle in my education. Although I
had gone to college in Rochester, NY, I never imagined I would
return. However, ten years brought about a great deal of change.
After graduating with a B.A. in Political Science from the University
of Rochester in 1985, I immediately enrolled in Villanova Law School
in suburban Philadelphia.